RD61 - Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011


Executive Summary:
The enclosed report documents the Commission's 12th year of economic development in the Commonwealth's most challenging economic region. Our long-term, twin objectives of tobacco quota holder indemnification and community revitalization remain both an accomplishment and a challenge. On behalf of the Commission, I am pleased to report both to you in this Annual Report.

Since the Commission was formed in 1999, tobacco growers and quota owners in Virginia have sustained cataclysmic and historic losses, totaling $479 million. To date, the Commission, together with other sources, has redeemed 98% of that loss and is on course to reach 100% by 2012. This effort alone has made unparalleled improvements in the economy of Virginia's tobacco region.

Our efforts to revitalize tobacco communities have taken many forms, as you will see in the pages that follow. Among the many and diverse efforts of the Commission, access to education, affordable broadband, and jobs remain among our highest priorities. On behalf of the Commission, I am grateful for your continued support of these efforts and I look forward to promoting still greater prosperity in this area of the Commonwealth that we are privileged to serve.

Sincerely,

Terry G. Kilgore
Chairman